India’s two-time Olympic medallist and reigning World Champion in javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, is set to begin his 2025 Diamond League campaign in Doha, Qatar. This marks his first competitive appearance of the season in the prestigious international series.
Aiming for the elusive 90m mark
The elusive 90-metre barrier remains one of Chopra’s key goals heading into the season. Despite winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and silver at Paris 2024, the landmark distance continues to stay just out of reach.
For the new season, Neeraj Chopra has shifted to training under Czech javelin legend Jan Železný, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and the current world record holder. This move marks the end of his successful partnership with biomechanics expert Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, under whose guidance he achieved both Olympic and World Championship glory.
The meet in Doha carries added importance for Chopra, as it will be his only major competition in May. His next planned appearance, the NC Classic 2025 in Bengaluru, was cancelled. The meet, originally set for May 24, was being organised in collaboration with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India.
In Doha, Chopra will face a strong field of elite competitors. The lineup includes Anderson Peters of Grenada, a two-time world champion and 2024 Olympic bronze medallist; Jakub Vadlejch of Czechia, last year’s winner in Doha; Germany’s Julian Weber and Max Dehning; Kenya’s Julius Yego; and Japan’s Roderick Genki Dean. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Olympic champion, will be absent as he focuses on preparations for the Asian Athletics Championships in Korea.
India will also have representation beyond Chopra. Asian Games silver medallist Kishore Kumar Jena will also compete in the men’s javelin event. On the track, national record holder Gulveer Singh will run in the men’s 5000 metres, while Parul Chaudhary will compete in the women’s 3000 metres steeplechase.
Neeraj Chopra’s event is scheduled to begin at 10:13 PM IST on Friday, May 16. The meet will not be broadcast on television but will be streamed live on the Wanda Diamond League’s official YouTube channel and Facebook page.